MAGICal Christmas 2008 - December 20, 2008

[njmom23grls]

Well, today is my packing day - I've got the beds covered with everything and then its the narrowing down and forcing myself to put back because of space constraints.

Its cold here in the Philly area and I can't wait for a nice warm breeze and frozen drink!

Earplanes have worked well for me - I have terrible problems clearing my ears and can go a day or two with my ears "plugged up" from flying. I won't say I have no problems after using them - but they greatly elimate the worst of it -with them I can usually clear by the time we reach baggage claim....
They do make them in a child's size - I want to say they were just a couple of bucks at CVS.

Getting excited here

 

[nzdisneymom]

Last year we all got lithos - one per room and the kids got a bag full of games/toys from the kids club.

If you have cruised before - there is also the return gift in the stateroom. If I remember last year it was mesh beach bags with cups and some other travel type stuff like suntan lotion etc. I think every time we go back we get the lanyards for the keys to the world - I'm assuming that is always the norm and not packing any - if that is not the case someone let me know and we will pack our old ones!

Renee - I'm counting on getting new lanyards, but I'm packing a couple just in case. I use one at work for my work ID

I'm excited to see what we'll get from DCL for Christmas. Considering that this cruise is so much more expensive than the one currently sailing, it's nice to know that we'll likely be receiving some "extras" that a regular sailing week doesn't have.

DH is already getting into vacation mode - and he told me at lunch today that he really thinks the boys DO NOT know... he thought they might be suspicious a couple of weeks ago. I think he is as excited as I am about surprising them.

My boys are so spoiled!

 

[ShannonR]

Hi everybody! I have moved our bags from the bedroom to the living room. That is one step closer to vacation time, right? (It makes me feel that way, mentally, to be closer to the front door!! )

Does anyone know the security rules on packing medications? I would like to pack some "just in case" antibiotics (the kids have been so sick lately that it would be just our luck that it all returns while we are on this trip ), but I don't know what the rules are about packing medications in your suitcase.

Shannon

 

[PalatkaCruisers]

Hi All,

Just heard the long range forcast for this weekend out of the Jacksonville area. They are calling for a high of 82. This means it should be at least the middle 80's in the Port Canaveral area. Cooler weather won't move in until Sun night.

Did talk about a little subtropical disturbance that might increase wave heights by this weekend but any bad weather should be behind us on the way to Cosimel!

Good Luck to all travelers heading south.

Rick

 

[nzdisneymom]

Shannon - remind me -are you guys flying or driving? As for the ship, I don't think it matters about where your meds are. ButSanta as for airplanes, I'd keep all meds with me in their original containers, and if it's liquid, then check at the TSA site online to see what they say about medication. We pack our liquid cough-medicine, etc., in our checked bags for flying, but I hand-carry meds onto the ship, just because we put all our meds into one little medicine bag and I want to be sure the dramamine is handy. (note to self - give Nathan dramamine before the safety drill, and take some myself in light of possible bigger waves for first night).

I'm watching the Biggest Loser ( come on Michelle - win it all!!!! ) tonight instead of doing any packing, but tomorrow the boys are out of school early which means when I get off work at 3, I don't have to "go out" to pick them up from various places... so I'll be doing laundry and packing Zachary and me. DH is waiting til Thursday to pack which makes me crazy, but it's his vacation, too

I am wishing I was done at work already this week, but I still have a lot of loose ends to tie up, so hopefully tomorrow will be productive. It's so nice to know that once I leave on Friday at noon that I won't be back in the office til 2009!!!!!

I did get some of my holiday cards addressed and ready to mail, so that's partially done. Whew.

Everyone make sure to post here before you leave for the cruise. And safe travels. And stay healthy and warm. Lissa, how is your mom?? Tenya, what was Carly's prognosis?

 

[ShannonR]

Hi Cindy! We are flying from Texas and I plan to pack the antibiotics in our "check in" luggage. The medications are in their powdered state right now, but I also would bring a bottle of distilled water to mix them with if I needed them. They are all in their original packaging and the doctors down here recommend getting antibiotic prescriptions from Mexico since they are SO MUCH CHEAPER!! Therefore, they are from the pharmacy there. They are in their original packaging, but their MEXICAN packaging. You can clearly read what they are since their verbage is pretty much the same when it comes to medications and the medications ARE the same, but I am concerned that since they come from Mexico, it would be a problem to pack them. You would not believe all the "Winter Texans" (older white couples who winter down here in McAllen and cross over into the border towns just to get a year supply of their diabetic, heart, blood pressure, etc.. medications at 1/3 the price it would cost them in the U.S.) It's sad to say, but American Healthcare costs have gotten way out of control and some people, especially older couples living on a fixed social security income, just can't afford what medications cost here in the U.S. Example: One of the doctors at work gets his cholesterol medication in Mexico for $10.00 and it cost him $125.00 in the U.S. and that's WITH insurance. Okay, enough of my soapbox for now! Do you think it would be a problem. If so, I will just leave them at home and hope for the best!

Shannon

 

[xmascruise04]

Below are the regulations as stated on the TSA website


Carry-on items banned and permitted in U.S. airliners under security rules effective 11/14/06:

Liquid and gel toiletries in 3-ounce containers or smaller are allowed if they are in a clear plastic, quart-size or smaller ziplock bag.
Larger containers that are half-full or rolled-up toothpaste tubes are not allowed. One ziplock bag per passenger.

Any amount of eye drops, saline solution, prescription and nonprescription medicine and personal lubricants are allowed.
Larger bottles of liquids and gels from outside -- including shampoo, suntan lotion, creams and toothpaste -- are allowed only in checked baggage.

Drinks, liquids and gels purchased in airport stores inside the security checkpoints can be carried into passenger cabins.

Laptops, cell phones, pagers and personal data assistants are allowed.

Jams and jellies should be packed in checked luggage; pies should be carried on.

 

[xmascruise04]

Upon arriving home from work tonight my wife informed me that we were "closed out" whatever that means from the Beach Excursion on Grand Cayman. In 2002 I recall just taking a cab to the Hilton\Hyatt? must have been close because the Magic was visible and we just walked onto there beach and chilled out...I think it was actually Xmas day and I remember a fully dressed Santa arriving at the beach on a Jet Ski Anyway, my question is does anyone know of a good family friendly beach that is easy to get to via cab that they can reccomend?

 

[KathyFP]

 

[KathyFP]

Kathy -
your fish extender is gorgous! My sister did a fantastic job. She sent me a picture from her phone yesterday.

I can't wait to see it. DH has himself and daughter packed. He still has to pack me. I have been working like crazy and have not had time to do anything!

I have a couple questions -

1. I bought magnetic sheets for the door signs. What do you use to cut them?

2. What is the best way to get from the airport to the Raddison? We are staying at the Raddison Thursday and Friday nights. I actual need a couple days to start to unwind.

I know I have a few more, but my brain is fried!

 

[KathyFP]

Robin,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I am hope that the trip is perfect!

 

[nzdisneymom]

1. I bought magnetic sheets for the door signs. What do you use to cut them?

I just used scissors last year.

 

[hinsok1]

Upon arriving home from work tonight my wife informed me that we were "closed out" whatever that means from the Beach Excursion on Grand Cayman. In 2002 I recall just taking a cab to the Hilton\Hyatt? must have been close because the Magic was visible and we just walked onto there beach and chilled out...I think it was actually Xmas day and I remember a fully dressed Santa arriving at the beach on a Jet Ski Anyway, my question is does anyone know of a good family friendly beach that is easy to get to via cab that they can reccomend?

Last time we did the snorkel and stingray tour with a private operator and had them drop us off at Sea Grape . . . or something like that . . . it was very easy to get a cab back to the ship. We are thinking about just getting off of the ship and grabbing a taxi. We are there for such a short period of time.

While we loved the beach, I would also like to try snorkling . . . I have heard that Cemetery Beach is better for that . . . we'll see.

 

[dbxazd]

We are all packed and headed to Florida first thing Wednesday AM for our 3 days at WDW before our Christmas Cruise!!! I hope that I remembered everything......and if I didn't ......oh well - I have the kids, DH, our passports and boarding docs.....everything else is replacable
See you all onboard!!!!

Robin

 

[nzdisneymom]

We are all packed and headed to Florida first thing Wednesday AM for our 3 days at WDW before our Christmas Cruise!!! I hope that I remembered everything......and if I didn't ......oh well - I have the kids, DH, our passports and boarding docs.....everything else is replacable
See you all onboard!!!!

Robin

Robin - have a safe trip to Florida. Can't wait to meet you all on Saturday!!! I know these last weeks, and especially this last one, have been especially stressful -- Mickey and the gang can sure help make things feel better.

Safe travels.

 

[hinsok1]

ok guys . . . what page was that wonderful listing of all the FE cabins and what side of the ship it was on? I am ready to print it off and I can't find it!

 

[alikat99]

ok guys . . . what page was that wonderful listing of all the FE cabins and what side of the ship it was on? I am ready to print it off and I can't find it!

PG 125, top post!! I didn't know where it was either, but I found it!!!

 

[gardengirlco]

I can't believe we're halfway through our Disney World trip and will be setting sail on Saturday. Yes, I'm up late making the most of the overpriced 24-hour Internet access I got today to post here. We will so be ready to relax after running around the World for three more days.

Wishing everyone safe and healthy travels as you head to Port Canaveral. See you all Saturday!

 

[nzdisneymom]

I can't believe we're halfway through our Disney World trip and will be setting sail on Saturday. Yes, I'm up late making the most of the overpriced 24-hour Internet access I got today to post here. We will so be ready to relax after running around the World for three more days.

Wishing everyone safe and healthy travels as you head to Port Canaveral. See you all Saturday!

Gardengirl - sounds like a perfect reason to buy into DVC - free internet at Disney World (LOL). just kidding.

Hope you all are having a wonderful time.

Two more sleeps til we leave for Port Canaveral.

 

[ajmanns]

Okay, so I'm freaking out a little bit:
Here's our forecast for Thursday night through Friday noon (and our flight leaves at 8 am Friday):

12+ inches of snow with blowing and drifting!

I am so concerned about us getting out of the Milwaukee airport!!

Okay, so now that I vented a little, I feel better. The only good thing is that our flight is early, so if there is a delay, we have all day to fly out. Also, you have no idea how happy I am that we are flying down to Orlando a day before the cruise. For that I am very thankful!!

Question: I have put magnet strips on the back of a couple of signs I want to put on our door. Will the magnet strips cause any problems going through the luggage metal detectors???

(By the way, I have not started packing)